Madame Frankenstein Arises in May

Image Comics has announced a new horror / drama series from Jamie S. Rich and Megan Levens entitled Madame Frankenstein. Pulling inspiration from the likes of classic Universal monster films, the title picks up in 1932 when Vincent Krall attempts to create his perfect woman by reanimating the corpse of his recently deceased lover. Needless to say, things don't work out as planned. The first issue debuts in May.

“I have always been fascinated by the Frankenstein legend and the deeper mythological meanings in Shelley's original novel, so when Megan came to me with her concept for a My Fair Lady-style appropriation of the concept, it took me all of two seconds to say yes,” said Rich. “There seemed to be so much potential there, both in terms of exploring the thematic depths of the story and playing around with the look and feel of classic horror. The downfall of Victor Frankenstein was that he played God and tried to build his own version of man. His hubris was in thinking too highly of his own capacity for creation. Our mad doctor's bigger mistake is underestimating the power of women.”

“I've always been strongly drawn to the moody, old-Hollywood glamour of the classic Universal monster films, and I felt that aesthetic would be a perfect match for the elements of horror and romance in this story,” said Levens. “The period of the early 1930s gave me so much to work with visually, as the architecture, costumes, and even minute details like glassware and wallpaper helped ground the fantastic elements of the story in a reality that still feels a bit removed from the world of the reader. But the aspect of those films that appealed most to me was that they derived their sense of horror from the emotions of the characters. Even the monsters were shown feeling fear, love, and loneliness… and a monster you can empathize with is perhaps the most terrifying of all."

The first issue of Madame Frankenstein is set to arrive in local comic shops and digital devices on May 7th, retailing for $2.99. It will feature two covers, one by Joelle Jones and Nick Filardi and the other by Christopher Mitten.

James has a 2nd grade reading level and, as a result, only reads books with pictures. Horror is his 5th favorite genre right after romantic comedy and just before silent films. No one knows why he's here, but he won't leave.